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One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 15 reviews

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining penne pasta with a rich tomato and spinach sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. With a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and creamy textures, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquids

  • 14 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Cheese and Oils

  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil

Seasonings & Condiments

  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly browned. Then add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Build the Sauce: Slowly pour the chicken stock into the pot, deglazing the pan and mixing well with the tomato paste. Once combined, add the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring until fully incorporated.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Check the pasta to ensure it reaches about 75% doneness for the right texture.
  4. Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking: Add the fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt fully. If the mixture seems too thick or dry, add a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain creaminess. Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  5. Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and mix everything thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Serve the pasta in bowls, optionally topping with grilled chicken for added protein. Enjoy your delicious, creamy tomato spinach pasta!

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
  • If you prefer milder spice, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Adding more chicken stock or water helps adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick while cooking.
  • For a vegan variation, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, spinach pasta, creamy tomato pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe